Group Blog talking about the NBA 2009 Eastern Conference Champions. Due to the amazing success of the 2009 playoff run comments are now frequently deleted to kill offensive comments, incoherence, or asininity. Comments can no longer be anonymous and require either a Blogger or OpenID account.

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Donovan, Van Gundy saga happened one year ago this week

Compared to last year at this time, things are really quiet with the Orlando Magic now.

Last year, after the much-anticipated firing of Brian Hill in late May, a week later on May 31st, the Magic hired University of Florida coach Billy Donovan and signed him to a big contract. Stunningly, three days later, reports were that Donovan changed his mind, and wanted to get out of his contract to go back to UF. The Magic released Donovan from the contract on June 4th.

The search was on again for a new coach. On June 7th, former Heat coach Stan Van Gundy was hired.

There was also much talk about what would happen with Grant Hill, and would the Magic be able to sign free agent Rashard Lewis when the free agency signing period began on July 1st.

Now, one year later and after a second round playoff elimination to the Pistons, the only buzz around the team is who they might pick with the 22nd pick of the draft, and how many of their free agents might they try to re-sign.

This is the first new blog post here in almost two weeks. Last year, on June 4th alone, there were four brand new blog posts on just that day.

This year, things aren't as exciting, but this will still be a very important off-season for the Magic as they try to put the right pieces in place so that next season's team can legitimately contend for the Eastern Conference title.